Multiple people injured as police respond to a shooting at Florida State University

Npr - Apr 17th, 2025

Multiple people have been injured in a reported shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee. The university has issued an alert for those on campus to shelter in place, following reports of an active shooter at the Student Union. Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare confirmed receiving six patients, with one in critical condition and the others in serious condition. FSU has canceled all classes and university events for the day, urging students to avoid the campus. Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his support for the FSU community and noted that state law enforcement is responding. President Donald Trump also addressed the incident, labeling it as a 'horrible thing.'

The significance of this event is underscored by FSU's history, having experienced a shooting incident in 2014. The university, founded in 1851, is the oldest in Florida, with over 44,000 students and about 16,000 faculty, staff, and employees. The shooting highlights ongoing concerns about campus safety and the need for effective response protocols. As this is a developing story, further information may emerge, potentially altering the current understanding of the situation.

Donald Trump Ron De Santis Active Shooter Florida State University Tallahassee Shooting Campus Lockdown Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and accurate account of a shooting incident at Florida State University, with a focus on official responses and the immediate impact on the campus community. It excels in clarity and readability, presenting the facts in a straightforward manner. However, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, including those of students and faculty, to provide a more comprehensive view of the incident's impact. While the article touches on issues of public interest and has the potential to influence discussions on campus safety and gun control, it could enhance engagement by incorporating more personal stories and expert analyses. Overall, it is a reliable piece of reporting that effectively communicates the seriousness of the situation while leaving room for further exploration of its broader implications.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports a shooting incident at Florida State University, with specific details about the location, number of injured, and the condition of victims. It states that six patients were received by Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, with one in critical condition, which is consistent with the information verified by multiple sources. The mention of Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump's responses aligns with reported official statements. However, the article does not provide details about the suspect, which is a critical aspect of the ongoing investigation. The historical reference to a 2014 shooting at FSU is accurate but lacks specifics about the incident's resolution.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including statements from both state and federal officials, reflecting the gravity of the situation. However, it primarily focuses on official responses and lacks perspectives from students, faculty, or law enforcement on the ground. Including these viewpoints would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the incident's immediate impact on the university community.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main points of the incident. The language is straightforward, and the tone is neutral, which aids in comprehension. However, the inclusion of more specific details about the incident's context and the university's response could enhance clarity further.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as official alerts from Florida State University and statements from government officials. It cites Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare for medical details, which is a reliable source for such information. However, the absence of direct quotes from law enforcement or eyewitnesses limits the depth of firsthand accounts.

Transparency

While the article provides clear information about the incident and official responses, it lacks transparency regarding the sources of some claims, such as the exact details of the police response. It would benefit from clarifying the basis for certain statements, such as how the number of injured was determined or the nature of the ongoing investigation.